Man runs out of gas after stealing dealership car

ALBANY, GA (WALB) – An Albany car dealership has a big mess to clean up. Thanksgiving night a man broke in to the Five Star Nissan showroom, stole a vehicle, and shattered glass windows as he drove right out the building.

He ran out of gas in Early County though and is now in police custody.

"They've just trashed everything," said Jason Morgan.

To say General Manager Jason Morgan is frustrated would be an understatement.

"At about 9:30 I got a call that someone had stolen a car off the lot," he said.

He soon discovered someone broke into his showroom and stole the black Nissan Altima that was sitting in this empty space. The thief made a grand exit when he busted out the side of the building.

"We found one of the doors sitting over here in the parking lot. That's how hard he hit it," said Morgan.

Morgan says he was told the man made it to Early county where his ride was cut short, because he ran out of gas.

"Not very smart to steal a car, run out of gas, and then hang out by it," Morgan laughed.

Under the circumstances Morgan is in good spirits but didn't appreciate having to take time away from his family to deal with this.

"I'm home thanksgiving night putting up my Christmas tree and get a phone call and have to come up here two hours away. Very frustrating," he said.

The dealership will be open Friday despite the crashing circumstances. Morgan just has one request.

"You've heard of sign and drive, but make sure you sign it before you drive it out," said Morgan jokingly.

Police are stepping up security at the Five Star Nissan. Albany Police spokesperson Phyllis Banks says the carjacker is being questioned but has not yet been charged so they are not releasing his name at this time.

The Nissan General Manager says it was all caught on surveillance tape.